Bradley University - EHS

BU Helping to Bring ‘Revolutionary Change’ to 21st Century Education: U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recently called for “revolutionary change” in university-based teacher preparation programs. The College of Education and Health Sciences is a model for this change, as it has forged special partnerships with area school districts to assist with school improvement and prepare the next generation of leaders. More information about BU’s commitment to teacher preparation can be read in this Journal Star op-ed piece written by Dean Joan L. Sattler and teacher education chairperson D. Antonio Cantù.

BU Breaks Ground on 22-Million Dollar Westlake Hall Project: October 22, 2009 marked a historic day for Bradley University as work is set to begin renovation and expansion on Westlake Hall, home to the College of Education and Health Sciences.

Currently 112 years old and the 2nd-oldest building on campus, EHS Dean Joan Sattler announced that “Westlake will end up transforming into one of the premier buildings on campus.” The finished building will be six times its current size, and will include a 4th-floor addition expanding it to 85,000 square feet, a 100-seat auditorium, smart classrooms and research and teaching laboratories. Read more about the tremendous changes expected for Westlake Hall.

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood Receives Leadership Award: BU alum, former teacher, and current Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood was presented the National Bipartisan Leadership Award on October 22nd, 2009 at the Michel Student Center for his extensive work in public service and as the lone Republican in Obama’s cabinet. The 1971 graduate is the inaugural recipient of the award, which will continue to be presented annually to those who work together across party lines in order to make a difference. (read more)

The Counseling, Research, and Training Clinic was recognized with an Appreciation of Our Partners Award from the Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc. The clinic, its faculty, and its students were recognized for their work on various projects over the years such as the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program, and for providing counseling, support, and resources. The clinic has also been instrumental in obtaining grants and providing counseling services for older adults in the community.

The College of Education and Health Sciences participated in the Bradley University tailgate party at Shea Stadium as part of the 2009 Fiesta de Bradley! Homecoming celebration. Festivities included a mexican buffet, live music, games, and a chance to learn more about our academic departments.

EHS alumn, teacher, and celebrated author Brad Cohen visited Bradley University on Founder's Day, October 1st, to speak about his experience with Tourette's syndrome. Those in attendance were inspired and moved by the stories and insights Brad shared.

Congratulations to Dr. Nancy Sherman of the Educational Leadership and Human Development Department for receiving the 2009 Dr. Jean C. Aldag Award for Outstanding Commitment to Education and Research, Health, and Social Services for her work with the Central Illinois Agency on Aging.

Brad Cohen, one of EHS's extraordinary alumni whose struggle with Tourette syndrome was the subject of the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie Front of the Class, was featured in a major story on CNN.com. Brad is the director of Camp Twitch and Shout, a one-week summer camp for children with Tourette syndrome that allows children to meet others with Tourette and help boost their self-esteem and confidence.

Congratulations to Dr. Christopher Rybak for being recognized with his second Fulbright Study Award. Dr. Rybak, professor and chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and Human Development, will be studying in Nepal beginning fall 2009.

ELH Human Development Counseling students scored exceptionally well on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam. The CPCE asseses a students knowledge of key counseling information learned over the entire program. We're proud to announce that 25 out of 27 Human Developement Counseling students scored higher than the national average (96.44 vs. 87.12), and 9 students passed with distinction.

St. Mark's Catholic School became a new Professional Development School strategic partner. Students from the College of Education and Health Sciences will be interacting with St. Mark's on a variety of teaching and learning activities.

Congratulations to the 2009 EHS Facutly Award Winners! Bob Wolffe from Teacher Education was named the CRS Research Award recipient, Cindy Brubaker from Nursing was named the CRS Service Award winner, and Nursing's Peter Cenek received the Joan L. Sattler Teaching Excellence Award.

Congratulations to the 2009 graduating Global Scholars: Cynthia Belcin, Jenna Lamorte, Josephina Marella, Elaine McLaughlin, and Andrea Wiebmer in Nursing, as well as Anna Robinson from Teacher Education.

Congratulations to Dr. Joan Sattler, Dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences, for being honored by the Illinois Women in Education Leadership (IWEL) for her outstanding service and leadership.

Dietetics major Kristin Kaye presented as part of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, sponsored by The Body Project to raise awareness about eating disorders and promote pride in all body shapes in sizes. A double major in psychology and dietetics, Kristin told her story of conquering anorexia nervosa from the perspective of both a patient and a professional.

Physical Therapy Alumni and Faculty Awarded ABPTS Certification: Congratulations to the following alumni for receiving certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities -- Andy Peterson (Sports), Karey Leadbetter (Geriatrics), Jennifer Mai (Neurological), and Nate Johnson (Orthopedics). PTHS faculty members Joe Kelly (Orthopedics), Cheryl Sparks (Orthopedics), and Chrissy Ropp (Geriatrics) were also certified.

A Hallmark Hall of Fame movie about the life of Teacher Education alumnus and elementary teacher Brad Cohen and his struggle with Tourette Syndrome aired on December 7, 2008. Click here for more information about Brad and the movie Front of the Class.

The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission was on campus for three days to review the Department of Nursing. During their visit the accreditation team met with administrators, faculty, staff and undergraduate and graduate students, reviewing both our baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in the Nursing Department. The NLNAC team said at the conclusion of their examination that they will recommend continued unconditional accreditation for both the baccalaureate and master’s nursing programs. Getting that seal of approval is a wonderful tribute to our Nursing Department, which continues to be one of the best in the nation.

The College of Education and Health Sciences is eagerly awaiting the opening of the new Markin Family Student Recreation Center. The Nursing department will have a variety of new high-tech equipment and labs at the facility. The Dedication Ceremony and Grand Opening takes place on Thursday, October 23 at 10:30 AM with refreshments and tours immediately following.

BU Alumn Subject of New Movie: A Hallmark Hall of Fame movie about the life of Brad Cohen and his struggle with Tourette Syndrome is scheduled to air on CBS on Sunday, December 7, 2008. Brad is an alumnus of the Teacher Education program, an author, an elementary school teacher in the state of Georgia, and an exceptional young man.

The Family and Consumer Sciences Dietetics Program has begun collaborating with Eurest Dining Services by opening Lydia's Late Night in University Hall. Students enrolled in FCS food service courses manage the new food service operation, which provides late night entertainment on campus and healthy fast food. Lydia's Late Night is open from 8:00 PM to midnight on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The ELH Counseling Research and Training Clinic was awarded an $8,100 grant from the Central Illinois Agency on Aging to purchase electronic equipment and software for the clinic. Visit the Caregiver's Connection for more information on programs and services offered by the CRTC.

Congratulations to Dr. Kevin Randall from the department of Family and Consumer Sciences, winner of the 2008 Caterpillar Inc. Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching!

The Institute for Gifted and Talented Youth celebrated its 25th Anniversary this summer. The program originated in 1983 through a collaboration grant project with Bradley University and Peoria County Schools, and in 1984 was formally established as an institute at Bradley. 195 local children participated this summer in generating 513 registrations. The Institute's World of Wonder Program, a summer education opportunity for Gifted Youth, was recently featured in Bradley Hilltopics.

The Doctorate in Physical Therapy program has been ranked among the top 100 programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report in it's 2009 issue of "America's Best Graduate Schools."

First Class In Doctoral Physical Therapy Program Graduates : Bradley University and the College of Education and Health Sciences celebrated its first graduating class from the Doctoral Physical Therapy Program. First offered as a bachelor’s degree in 1990, the program evolved into a master’s program in 1997 and finally into a three-year doctoral program in 2005. Incorporating classroom studies with hands-on work in local clinics with patients, it is the only program of its kind in downstate Illinois and the first professional doctorate program to be offered at Bradley. About half of the graduating group plans to stay in central Illinois. Physical Therapy and Health Sciences department chair Dr. Mary Jo Mays, who started the DPT program, was happy to celebrate with the first graduating class as she retired this year. CLICK HERE to watch WEEK News 25's Postcards From Home special about Dr. Mays and the DPT Program.

Dr. Joan L. Sattler, Dean of the College of Education and Health Science (left), Dr. Mary Jo Mays, founding chairwoman of PTHS (center), and Bradley President Dr. Joanne Glasser (right)

EHS Alum to Lead Manual High School Restructuring: Former Whitter Primary School principal Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat has accepted the position of principal at Manual High School, and is focused on significantly improving student learning through a major restructuring venture. A graduate of the EHS Educational Administration and Teacher Education programs, Sharon is passionate about education and dedicated to helping students achieve their potential. Whittier Primary School and Manual High School are both professional development school collaborative sites with Bradley Univeristy's College of Education and Health Sciences' William T. Kemper Foundation-Commerce Bank Trustees project.

ELH's Chris Rybak Promotes Cultural Diversity: Professor Chris Rybak was recently featured in the Peoria Journal Star, discussing the importance and benefits of cultural diversity. Rybak says he "encourages students to explore other cultures as much as possible and be open to other points of view." Since joining the Bradley faculty in 1993, Dr. Rybak's successful ELH 586: Counseling Diverse Populations course has become required, rather than an elective for counseling students.

FCS Outstanding Intern Awarded: Congratulations to Amy Musselman, the recipient of the Bradley University/Smith Career Center 2007 Outstanding Co-op/Intern of the Year Award! Amy conducted her internship at the University of Wisconsin under the supervision of Jan Skell, Nutrition Program Coordinator.

Grief and Growth Course: Associate Dean and professor in Educational Leadership and Human Development, Dr. Lori Russell-Chapin recently led a graduate level course called "Introduction to Human Development Counsing," in which students developed curricula for dealing with grief for various age groups. A professional grief counselor, Dr. Russell-Chapin's book "Writing Your Grief Story," about her personal struggle with the death of her mother as well as the benefits and missteps of the grief process, was recently published. More information on the process of grieving as well as student reactions to the ELH620 course can be found in this recent Journal Star article.

College Recognized in National Publication: The College of Education and Health Sciences and its STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities have been recognized in July 2007's AACTE "Preparing STEM Teachers: the Key to Global Competitiveness". EHS was included in the publication as one of 59 national institutions who are dedicated to preparing effective K-12 STEM educators.

College of EHS Awarded Continuing NCATE Accreditation: The College of Education and Health Sciences was awarded continuing accreditation of the Professional Education Unit by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Illinois State Board of Education. This marks 50 years of continued accreditation for Bradley, which was one of the first private universities in the nation to be accredited.

Bradley Students Create New Designs With a Purpose: A number of Family and Consumer Sciences students collaborated with faculty and alumni to design insulin pump packs and other related accessories for area children with diabetes. These packs were individually designed to fit each child's specific health needs, and custom-made to fit each child's personality. Made possible by a special emphasis grant, the idea originated with Bradley alumna Nicole Herron. On March 26, 2007, the sixteen children were allowed to show off their exciting new accessories in a fashion show.

Professional Development School Given Award for Excellence: The Professional Development School Partnership brings together the College of Education and Health Sciences' students and faculty with District #150 schools to partner in teaching and learning. We are proud to announce that our most recent PDS partner, Whittier Primary School, has been honored by the U.S. Department of Education for academic success, adding to its many national and state recognitions. Federal Education officials Kristine Cohn and Todd Zoellick visited Whittier Primary on September 18th to celebrate the award with students and faculty (pictured below). Cohn states, “We have chosen Whittier because of their extreme commitment to reading and math and also their focus on the boys and girls and closing the achievement gap.”

Whittier Principal Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat is an alumna of Bradley University, having received her bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts with Teaching Certification in 1983, and her master's degree in Education Administration in 1986. She also received a national award from the U.S. Department of education. This joins the list of numerous awards for achievements in education Sharon has received, including the Terrell H. Bell Award for Exemplary Leadership (2005), the Educational Leadership and Human Development Alumni Award (2005), the NAACP's John W. Gwynn, Jr. Education Award for Eliminating the Achievement Gap (2005), and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award (2006).

100 Years of Teacher Education: During the 2005-2006 academic year, the Department of Teacher Education celebrated 100 years of teacher education.

History and Profile of the College of Education and Health Sciences: Click on the links below.

Highlights in History

Profile